True Love

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;^{[a] 6} it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:5-6

When we moved into our new home a friend had helped us move some stuff in. We were eating lunch and talking about politics. He made the comment he was too critical to watch it. I thought about that a lot, because I am the same way. I fall into that trap everyday. Dietrich Boenhoeffer said that "politics is not a Christian game." I keep saying that quote in my head over and over again. I need to hear that everyday. It is not a game for Christians, and if we do not understand then we may not understand the power of God.

Do we understand that truly loving our neighbor means that we would be willing to give the last hundred bucks in our bank account to feed someone. Do we understand that truly loving someone is supporting them through all their trials and just being there without interference is love. Just giving someone else just a moment of peace, because Christ does that. However, do we understand that people will manipulate that over and over again if we don't question why they can't sacrifice just as God did; HIS SON.

"If you are someone that believes in truth and wants people to come to truth, your best play is to start living out what you do know, piece by piece, morsel by morsel. This is how God's kingdom works. It is mysteriously simple and profound." Hugh Halter - book Sacrilege

What we believe about God will help us understand what it is going on around us. Not what the church or another has told you about God, but what the scripture says is the truth. If you don't read it you don't know. We are a nation of consumer faith; conditional, mutual, can be broken, and task oriented. We are ruled by sentiment and only have our needs in mind.  We have said that man's laws are better. We have chosen the Pharisees and the hypocrites just as we chose to take control in the Garden of Eden. There is a consequence for us taking control.


In consumer relationships, it could be said that the individuals needs are more important than the relationship..In a covenant the good of the relationship takes precedence over the immediate needs of the individual. Timothy Keller - The Meaning of Marriage


Our willingness and love for Christ is to sacrifice everything about ourselves for Him or another. After observing people for a long time you can tell the ones that are led by the spirit. People are drawn to them. They want to see that and feel that. The other side is these individuals are willing to accept where they went wrong. They are willing to seek another for help. These individuals accept them for face value. It doesn't matter the sin that they have committed because they know these individuals understand the love of Christ. They live their lives by it.

Those are the people you want around you. We are a very blessed family, because we have friends that live their lives by Christ.  It is blessing everyday to get through to the next, because we cherish that he has given the strength for one more day. We are willing to love unconditionally, and help one another. We accept what we are doing is wrong, and we love each other all the more for it. We lose our pride and feelings of entitlement.

The people that don't understand that I wonder about. I wonder if they realize that their religious tradition makes people want to run. I wonder if they realize that is why there are boundaries in their relationships. The point is; are we hurting our neighbor in the long run for our wants as a nation? Is our unwavering insistence to control someone hurting them. People begin to feel that they aren't good enough. They feel that they aren't worth the love of Christ. Christ loved the people that we don't find worthy in our families, friendships, churches, jobs, and community. 

God is not a democrat, a republican, a liberal, a conservative, a right-winger, a left-winger, a socialist, a dictator, a communist, a capitalist - He is God. He can do whatever he wants. He made dirt. Go pick up a handful of dirt, look up in awe, and say this is awesome. Think about that. I just read a book by Hugh Halter called Sacrilege. He asked a couple of questions about God.

Does God love everybody? Does God like everybody? He sent Christ to save us from our religious traditions. He sent Christ to save us from our inability to see the true power of his love and wrath. Would he like what we have become?

Our Thoughts; Guilt

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Below is a posting from John MacArthur's blog. It is about the dangers of the Sinful Mind. One of my greatest sins to God is guilt. I have felt guilt about my MS since the day I was diagnosed. I have felt guilt for being blessed in my life. Our pastor said something to me that I desperately needed to hear; do not feel guilt for the blessings God has given you.

I should never feel guilt for having this disease. It is the greatest gift he has ever given me outside my husband and my children. This gift is what brought me to him. It wasn't my husband it was my MS. God battled with me for over a year before I faced it, and then a friend that I have known since I was 15 said come to bible study with me. That is when the journey to healing began for so many things that I had ignored.

Our pastor said this to me the week that we signed the papers on our new home, and I was supposed to be in Romania. I had been reading the updates and looking at the pictures of individuals that I was supposed to be with that week. I felt tremendous guilt for the blessings in my life and these people had nothing. I never thought about that the fact that these people have tremendous faith in God. They knew that God would sustain them with food, clothing, and shelter: He has done that for him. I am a little envious of that faith I have to admit.

This summer has been very eye-opening for me. At the beginning of the summer my doctor called and said remember summer is coming, and you have to be careful. My husband asked me not to make major commitments outside of our family until the fall, and I agreed which is shocking. My father told me I would feel extreme guilt if I went to Romania and left my husband after the death of his father because he needed me with him. My mother said how are you physically going to do this when you know the heat bothers you, and then you aren't going to be able to take of the boys. Come to find out it was one of the hottest weeks in Romania that they had had in awhile.

A comment was made to me, and to be honest it would have pissed me off about two years ago. My response was actually quite calm, because it is the opinion of the world and not of God. I heard the verse "forgive them father for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)." Two days later I was sitting in my doctor's office. We were talking and laughing about my boys. I received a very rare compliment from her. She said you wanted those boys, with love in her eyes, and you went against the advice of allowing the fear of what the MS could do to you. I should praise him, give thanks, and glorify him everyday that I did not fear the advice of others not to have my sons. I am overjoyed that I didn't listen to the world.

It reminded me of a conversation that I had with my father after I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd son. My parents were terrified of seeing their daughter physically disabled. I told my dad don't you remember what you said to me when I was diagnosed; "don't ever let this be an excuse not to do something." What is your excuse? Stop making excuses for the choices you make outside of Christ.

Why should I feel guilt for my greatest gift. The reason is because people over the years have made me feel guilty that my husband has to carry this burden. I allowed people to do that me. Don't feel sorry for a man of incredible integrity, strength and that took the vow of in sickness and in health very seriously. Admire that because there aren't many men that way. Why wouldn't I give up everything that takes me away from him about myself? If there is something that your spouse needs from you don't for a moment hesitate in giving that up. Christ commanded us to do that.


Take the hardship you are going through and face it. That is a warning sign from God that you are ignoring him. Stop blaming others that you love for what you have in your heart. We allow ourselves to be offended, be bitter, be angry, be manipulated, be used, and then we blame others for it.  A friend asked why do I believe what I do about this country; because of God or the world? I came up with an answer;  I understand the game of guilt played by Satan very well, and that is what I see. People use guilt on the masses, and that is not from God.

People use guilt on their families and friends, and that is not from God. We have to stop apologizing for putting God first. I am not ashamed of this disease and the burden it has caused any longer. I am not ashamed that my sons will have enough courage to uphold God first in their lives, because of this. I give great thanks to God for this, because it has made my marriage stronger and my boys hearts strong in love and compassion. They are witnessing what a man should be and what a woman should be. They are witnessing they parents give up everything that is within them for each other. Don't ever apologize for putting God and your family first it breaks God's heart.

Take some time today, and sit in silence with him. Ask him why I am feeling this way? Why do I have this nagging feeling something is not wrong? He gives you the reasons, and they aren't always  going to be what you want to hear about yourself. Have enough humility to admit that you probably did that, and say; I am so sorry God. Please don't say "no, God I did it because of this reason". God's not wrong; ever.


http://www.gty.org/blog/B120807

Boast In Your Weaknesses

 ^"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9


Years ago I heard a parable, or story whatever you would like to call it about our relationship with God. A man would get up every morning, go to his office, and sit with God for hours. Months went by, the time kept getting shorter and then the time with God finally stopped. One morning he came into his office and God was sitting there. The man said I didn't know you were here, and God replied "I have always been here, you just left."

We fit God into our schedules. We can only maybe spend 10 to 15 minutes a day with him; correct? I don't believe that is enough time to understand why we are still sinners. I don't believe that is enough time recognize that we have to repent to be forgiven. Just because profess our love does not me we don't have to change for him. I think people are uncomfortable to face their lives. We may begin see our lives just an appearance to look good. If we let our guard down we may see the weaknesses that he sees that are offensive to him. It would be too much reality to face what is in our hearts and how we have failed.

Christians use the verse "do not judge" a lot. People that feel like they are being judged by another need to question why they feel that way. I would define that more as low self-esteem in yourself than judgment. Our worth is not based on our families, friends, church, community and society. We fear the backlash of others more than we do God. Why do we ignore what is right in front of our faces that we must confront? Why?

"But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:18

I have lost my tolerance with career Christians. I have been walking away more until I figure if I am doing the same. I just do not have it in me to play the game anymore with people. God is a God of love, but he is also a God of wrath. He is waiting for us to repent. He is waiting for us to see. I am starting to wonder if our appearance or deeds are more important than him. I am starting to wonder if our fear of  not upholding him is more important. We are a very weak nation in our faith. We have removed him and replaced it with some weird gospel that deceives us. We are a nation that boasts in false doctrine to tolerate sin.

Ask individuals that you know are strong in the living word of God what they see in you that are sins. Face your guilt and regrets head on. Face your judgmental spirits. Face the fact that you may be doing things just for the appearance, and not because of God. Face the fact that you believe someone has to be a certain way to love Christ. Be prepared though in your heart to accept those things about yourself. Just listen and humble your heart.

The Ten Commandments

10. “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”(Exodus 20:16-17 ESV) On Sunday our pastor talked about the ten commandments. I have not read them for a very long time. He asked the congregation that, and I thought "I haven't read them long time." I only listed the 10th above, not because the others are not important, but this really seem to be plaguing our nation. The first commandment is the most important; Love GOD first, and no other. We make it harder than it is to follow them. We do that not God. I do that all the time. 1. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:2-3 ESV) We had communion last Sunday and our pastor said something to me that he felt led to say. "I am not to feel guilt for the gifts God has blessed me with." Guilt over our blessings is Satan. I have a major problem with guilt - always have had it. When I was younger I felt guilt for acting like a fool when I knew better. I wanted it my way without thinking of the consequence of my heart later. Now I have guilt for having a very, blessed life. My husband told me you take on other's suffering too much. I hurt for people. The last couple of weeks have been super crazy. We sold the old house, and we moved to the new. On the day our pastor said that to me I really needed to hear that. I was supposed to be in Romania, and I had been reading the updates of the trip. The guilt of our new home, and the things we have was hurting my heart. I wanted to be able to give it all to them. My husband said I am glad you didn't go, not because they faced extreme heat, but because it would have broken your heart for a very, very long time. God didn't want to me go right now, and this may be one of the reasons. Below is the story of the rich young ruler. Christ calls him out on the fact that money and possessions are his God. Christ tells him you don't have it in your heart to give up everything you own if my Father commands you. In the eyes of God if you have two coats, two blankets, and extra money in the bank you are very rich. Are you willing to take the coat out, put it in your car, and give it away?  Are you willing to take the blanket to someone that needs it? Are you willing to take the extra money from your account and give it to someone that needs it? For me to accept that from someone else is a huge deal for me. I would not have be able to do that a year and half ago. I would have been furious and thought "he doesn't know me and how much I love God." Individuals that love Christ see things in others that love Christ that they need to fix. The hard part is whether or not you can accept it. Rebukes, criticism, or what ever you would like to call it God commands his children to do for another that loves him. He wants us to help each other in our walks so we don't stumble. We do not think of criticism for our lives as a form of love. We think of it as offensive and hurtful. Sometimes it is, and sometimes maybe what the other person is true. The sad part is if we call it like we see it we resent that person and hold grudge because we think we are better than them. We have to have enough guts to say the truth of scripture and enough guts to receive it. No one wants to be held accountable for their offenses any more. No one wants to admit that they may be doing something that is wrong when it comes to the Father that we profess to love. The last commandment is very important. For those that believe that the political system should create laws for morality and for the good of the nation are lying to themselves. You are breaking this commandment everyday regarding what society thinks God would want you to do. We all have something that we need to let go of whether it is our need for what another has, or the guilt we feel for what we have been blessed with. A friend of ours once said "remember it is God's money, not ours, but his.

"He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:18-24 ESV)

Conscience

^"I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? ³⁰ If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?." 1 Corthians 10:29-30

I have come to the conclusion that most Americans really don't know, or understand the history of this country. They have no idea what influenced and shaped the hearts of the founding fathers. I can honestly say people are ignorant. If there is anything you do before this coming election study the history of this country and what shaped these men and women. They lived their lives according to scripture, and then they wrote our founding documents based on it.

Two of the topics that drive me crazy are slavery and women's rights. People have no understanding that these laws actually came from scripture. I do not support the abuse and tyranny over another human being. It is disgusting, and still happens today. Nothing has changed. What is ironic is most Christians do not understand that you are a slave to Christ. God bought you with his son's blood, he owns you, and you are to fear and love him above all others.

One of my favorite shows is Everybody Loves Raymond. It is the perfect satire of the American family. Marie is the controlling factor for the entire family. She creates hell for those around her, and her favorite line is "everything I do is from love." She uses guilt, manipulation, fear and love to control others. It reminds me of our government, and a lot of citizens of this country. We are made to feel guilty if we say no. They say we don't really love our neighbor if we don't conform to this. Pretty sad, and it shows the ignorance of our knowledge in the Christ we profess.

I read an article about the "dumbing" down of the modern church in the United States. It implies that many Christians are ignorant of scripture, and I agree. We have created churches that unless the members are comfortable, entertained, pleased on all levels regarding their lives they become angry or offending when their fantasy world bursts. I don't quite understand how Christians  think they are going to escape this ideology when they stand before the gates. My question is do you even know the gospels and the suffering of his disciples? Do you even understand the great amount of physical and emotional pain these individuals went through because of their love for him? They understood that this life was just a minute compared to eternity with him.

Our inability to discern, and question others about their motives has created our fall. We don't understand that we are allowed to say no.  When I started writing this blog I obviously had to study more of scripture. It has forced me to question, discern and seek wisdom. I want to understand it so I can become his fully. I have learned how to say no. I have learned how to say "sorry, that is not from God and I'm not doing it. I slip and then I repent.

Our entire mission as Christians should be that we become his slaves, because we fear and love him that much. Members of churches need to remember the church is not meant to fulfill your every need, you are meant to hear the gospel and then share it with others. That is it. If you constantly are questioning why the church isn't fulfilling your need then you need to question why God isn't? What are you missing in your relationship with him? You are trying to find your worth and goodness from men and women not God.

I know Christians will find this hard to believe, but usually when God lays something on your heart it may not be about the other person it may because you just don't recognize what you are doing that is a sin. When my husband and I disagree about something my initial thought now is what I am not doing for him that I don't see? If my kids are acting out even more than usual what is it that they are not getting from us?

The one great peace in all this is knowing that those that support the oppression of others with taxes will be judged by God. Knowing that your inability to see that you have caused financial ruin for so many Americans that are already struggling financially will be judged by him. Knowing that congress did not go after the insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and cut off the lobbyists because of their own greed will be judged by him. Knowing they didn't reform the programs that are already in place (medicare and medicaid) to help the poor in our country will be judged by God. Our own guilt for not helping others with the money we make has now caused the financial ruin of good people. If you don't know why we had the American Revolution with Britain you should probably study your history. You have allowed the United States government to do the very thing the British Monarchy was doing to the colonies.

I am sorry that the Vietnam War happened to my parents generation. It destroyed so many of them. What is ironic is the very government that they hated they now control, and they have destroyed their children and grand children's freedoms unless we vote them out. I have great peace that God will hold them accountable to what they have done. I have no idea what it is going to take for people to wake up. I don't know if God will oppress us and create great suffering for us to understand. I don't know, but I hope we have the strength and courage just like our founding fathers.

"While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautious not to violate the rights of conscience in others, ever considering that God alone is the judge of the hearts of men, and to him only in this case they are answerable." George Washington.

God or Satan?

"There's no neutral ground. You can't stand in the middle and say, "Well, I haven't made up my mind." I've got news for you, if you're not with Christ, you're against Him. If you're not a part of Christ's Kingdom, you're a part of the devil's darkness." John MacArthur

Nancy Pelosi has been caught on tape saying the "penalties" in the health care bill were for the "free loaders." She was not talking about illegal immigrants in this country she was talking about Americans that were irresponsible when they didn't buy medical coverage for themselves and their families. That is it. The reason why so many Americans are upset about this is because they pay for their medical insurance, and now they will have to more in taxes for the ones that wouldn't buy it.

Satan has so many of us in his grip. Obama and the ones that work for him know you are a fool, and free loaders. Your neighbors that are good people now have to pay for those that didn't want to be responsible, and protect their families. Thank your neighbor for what they are doing for you through their taxes.You are forcing people to give more than they can. That is not from God. This is about what you didn't want to pay for, because you didn't think it was fair. I would call that being selfish and greedy.

We are not a Christian nation any longer. That would too hard for many.We haven't been that for a long time. I am not happy about this decision, but I have accepted it. I have peace about it. I have peace that God will make our struggles that much harder before we finally realize what we have done. We value money over God. We value our material possessions over God. We believe so many of our passions are from God. We believe so many lies. It is just so sad.

 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him. Mark 12:17

What it has come down is that people are desperate for money. I wonder how far in debt they really are. I wonder if they thought that if they could get this for free this would solve some of their financial problems. I wonder how much credit card debt they have, loans they can't pay, or are sinking in mortgages they couldn't afford. They have blamed the banks for their financial irresponsibility. Now they have blamed good Americans for their financial troubles. I get it. I understand, but how is that my fault or another man that did do the right thing?

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12


Men and women are not selfish because they don't want to pay for your life. God tests you everyday on what you are willing do on your own for another. If you aren't willing to recognize your own mistakes financially how is that someone else's fault? That is not from God, and Satan is playing you for a fool. He is telling you that this is not fair, and he used health care do it. My favorite is that he had people say republicans wanted children to die. The democrats support abortion. You do know you are killing children right? I thought you didn't want children to die. I wonder how you will explain that to God?
"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. aHe was a murderer from the beginning, and bdoes not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. cWhen he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/1200/Satan

Broken

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.² “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.⁷ “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:1-8

John MacArthur has been doing a blog series on leadership. The series is about the leadership in the church, and the over reaching power of pastors, priests, elder boards and members in so many American churches. I believe the series should be read by many now that the Federal Government has such great power over the citizens of this nation. It is about the desire to have the power that God has.

As christians we really shouldn't ask what someone does for another, but at this point in our nation I think I will ask liberals what they do for others. I want to know how much money you really give to people. I want to know if you actually give money to homeless people, look them eye, or do you just turn a blind eye to them. I want to know if you really are willing to give half of your income away to someone without being told to, and then do it. I want to know what you do as an individual for another.

I want to see your tax returns. I want to see you put money in the plate every sunday, and see the actual amount written on the check. I want to see you actually tell someone to their face that they don't give enough money to people. I want you to go up to a person that has a chronic illness and tell them that their money has to be used now for others that won't work. I want you to tell them that you are envious and greedy for the type of insurance they have, so you are just going to take it from them. I want a check in the mail for my rising costs on the insurance we actually pay for, and my meds. I want to see how good you really are.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16

In the course of many conversations about the healthcare ruling a comment was made "remember that God is control." I remember, and that is probably why I am terrified of what has happend. We are a godless nation pretending to love him. He knows we are liars, and we have turned from him. He knows our social causes aren't really about helping people it is just to make us look good in the eyes of others. People have not been taught the wrath and judgment of God, because it makes them uncomfortable. The ironic part is when you understand that part of God you finanlly see how decieved you really are.

"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." James 4:1-3

I looked at my boys yesterday, and cried. I know they will not have the country that so many men and women fought and died for. Their little giving hearts will always be told that they aren't good enough, or giving by men. My heart is broken for this country, and broken for the good people in American that were just trying to live in freedom. My heart is broken that people were told by corrupt men and women that they weren't doing enough for others. My heart is broken for individuals that really do give so much to others, and they just do it because they love without any regard to how that will financially burden them. Those are God's people. That is what Christ wanted people to be not this.

I have lost my fight for this country and others for right now. I can understand why individuals shut themselves off from the world. My desire to give is broken now, because people take it for granted. My willingness to help is not as strong anymore. I don't have the desire to do it any longer. I will pray for God to soften my heart again towards men and women. I will pray that people understand what they have done to so many good people because of greed and envy.

 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24